El Paso Electric Awards $10K Grant to The Bridge to Expand Student Success & Workforce Readiness

LAS CRUCES – The Bridge of Southern New Mexico, the state’s unique collaboration of business, education and economic development, accepted a $10,000 community support grant from El Paso Electric on Wednesday, October 29. The Bridge leaders will use the funds to continue work that supports raising countywide graduation rates and building a stronger workforce for Doña Ana County.

Rico Gonzales, El Paso Electric Director for New Mexico External Affairs, presented the grant to Stacie Allen, President/CEO of The Bridge. Gonzales serves on The Bridge Board of Directors and chairs the Business Mentoring Committee. He said El Paso Electric is investing in The Bridge’s work to expand early college high schools; increase available dual credit courses; prepare parents, teachers and businesses as strong mentors for students; and measure regional and statewide educational outcomes that impact our workforce.

Stacie Allen said key leaders from business, education and economic development have created an effective cross-sector model for the state. The non-profit board members work together to advance career and technical education for students throughout Dona Ana County and New Mexico.

George Ruth, Chairman of The Bridge Board of Directors, and other members expressed gratitude to Gonzales for his continuing commitment to community development and for El Paso Electric’s positive corporate citienship. “Thank you for El Paso Electric’s generous support of The Bridge of Southern New Mexico!  We will utilize these funds to support The Bridge’s initiatives to work towards improving Dona Ana County’s workforce,” Ruth said.

For more information about The Bridge of Southern New Mexico please contact the office at 575-541-7325.